As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the children were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove, and various junior schools as Tan Tan children of immigrants from the Caribbean around West London in 1975. Vocalist Brinsley Forde had a brief career on television on the British children's television series "Here Come the Double Deckers" in 1970-71.
The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Drummie Zeb, and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear's 1979 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London.
They became one the U.K.'s top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as "Three Babylon" and "It's Not Our Wish", and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental "Warrior Charge".
The band gained a wider audience with the New Chapter album (1981). "Fire", the opening track gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown's "Promised Land."
Among Aswad's catalogue of hits is "Don't Turn Around", a pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner's hit "Typical Male", which was later covered by Ace of Base; and a reggae flavoured rendition of "Best of My Love", first popularised and written by The Eagles. Their next hit, Shine, was released in 1994. Another track was the upbeat 1998 remake of The Police's "Invisible Sun", performed with Sting.
The band also hold the distinction of having played with each one of the ex-Wailers.
Band members
* Martin Augustine aka "Tatta" - Lead guitar
* Brinsley Forde aka "Dan" (born 16 October 1952, Guyana) - Vocals, Rhythm guitar
* Drummie Zeb aka Angus Gaye (born 1959, London, United Kingdom) - Vocals, Drums
* Donald Griffiths (born 1954, Jamaica)
* Jimmy Haynes aka "Senyah" - Lead guitar, Acoustic guitar
* Clifton Morrison aka "Bigga" - Vocals, Keyboards, Melodica
* George Oban - Left in 1980 - Bass guitar
* Tony Gad - real name Dennis Anthony Robinson, born 11 November 1957, London. Joined in 1980 - Vocals, Bass guitar
Discography
* 1976: Aswad - Mango Records
* 1978: Hulet - Mango Records
* 1981: New Chapter - Columbia Records
* 1981: Showcase - Mango Records
* 1982: A New Chapter of Dub - Mango Records
* 1982: Not Satisfied - Columbia Records
* 1983: Live and Direct - Mango Records
* 1984: Rebel Souls - Mango Records
* 1986: To the Top - Simba
* 1988: Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio - Jah Shaka
* 1988: Distant Thunder - Mango Records
* 1988: Renaissance - 20 Crucial Tracks - Stylus
* 1989: Aswad: Crucial Tracks
* 1990: Next to You - Alex
* 1990: Too Wicked - Mango Records
* 1993: Firesticks - Alex
* 1994: Rise and Shine - Rhino Entertainment
* 1995: Rise and Shine Again! - Mesa
* 1995: Dub: The Next Frontier - Mesa
* 1997: Big Up - Atlantic Records
* 1999: Roots Revival - Ark 21
* 2002: Cool Summer Reggae
Beauty's Only Skin Deep
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause a pretty face got the best of me.
Suddenly you came into my life
And gave it meaning and pure delight.
Now, good looks I've learned to do without
'Cause now I know it's love that really counts
I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Yeah yeah yeah,
Now, you speak your words warm and sincere
And let me know that your love is here.
A pretty face you many not possess
But what I like about you is your tenderness.
A pretty face may be some guys taste
But I'll take lovin' in its place,
'Cause I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah, yeah yeah.
Now, friends ask what do I see in you.
But it goes deeper than the eye can view.
You have a pleasing personality
And that's an ever lovin' rare quality.
Now, show me a girl, a girl that's fine
And I'll choose the one with true lovin' ev'ry time,
'Cause I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
So if you're lookin' for a lover
(Oh, yeah) don't judge a book by its cover.
(Oh yeah) She may be fine on the outside
(Oh yeah) but so untrue on the inside.
The song: "Beauty's Only Skin Deep" by Aswad is all about love and the importance of seeing beyond what meets the eye. The lyrics tell a story of someone who was once infatuated with a pretty face, but now recognizes that true beauty lies within a person's character. The person finds pure delight and meaning in their newly discovered love, and now understands that "good looks" don't necessarily guarantee happiness or true love. The lyrics also mention that some friends question why the person is with their lover who may not have the physical attributes they consider attractive. But, it goes deeper, exploring the idea that true beauty radiates from within and is reflected in a person's genuine and positive personality traits.
Throughout the song, the lyrics stress the idea that one's character and inner qualities are more important than physical appearances. This notion encourages listeners to think differently about their own relationships and to look beyond physical attributes when considering what truly makes a person beautiful. The song's message can be interpreted as promoting self-love and acceptance by encouraging individuals to focus on their inner selves rather than feeling pressure to conform to societal beauty standards.
Line by Line Meaning
So in love, sad as could be
Despite being deeply in love, I am unhappy because I fell for a pretty face
'Cause a pretty face got the best of me.
I was initially blinded by the physical attractiveness of my partner
Suddenly you came into my life
You entered my life unexpectedly and brought it a new meaning
And gave it meaning and pure delight.
You gave me a sense of purpose and brought me immense happiness
Now, good looks I've learned to do without
I have come to realize that looks are not everything and learned to appreciate other qualities
'Cause now I know it's love that really counts
I understand that real love is more important than superficial beauty
I know beauty's only skin deep.
I recognize that beauty is a superficial quality and not a true measure of a person's worth
Now, you speak your words warm and sincere
Your words are genuine and heartfelt, conveying your true feelings
And let me know that your love is here.
You reassure me that your love is present and real
A pretty face you many not possess
You may not have a conventionally attractive appearance
But what I like about you is your tenderness.
I appreciate your kindness and gentle nature more than your physical appearance
A pretty face may be some guys taste
Some people may prefer partners solely based on their looks
But I'll take lovin' in its place,
I value true love and affection more than physical attractiveness
Now, friends ask what do I see in you.
My friends question my choice of partner due to your lack of conventionally attractive features
But it goes deeper than the eye can view.
However, my reasons for loving you are beyond just your appearance
You have a pleasing personality
Your character is likeable and attractive to me
And that's an ever lovin' rare quality.
Your personality is a rare and valuable trait in a partner
Now, show me a girl, a girl that's fine
If given the choice between conventionally attractive women
And I'll choose the one with true lovin' ev'ry time,
I would always choose the one who can provide genuine love
So if you're lookin' for a lover
If you are searching for a romantic partner
(Oh, yeah) don't judge a book by its cover.
Do not judge someone solely by their appearance
(Oh yeah) She may be fine on the outside
Someone may be physically attractive
(Oh yeah) but so untrue on the inside.
However, their true character may not be as desirable
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: IKE TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charissa Harvey
One of the sounds of my childhood. Love this version and the temptation version of this song.
Omena Liberty
Beautiful choreography beautiful song๐
Alan Damaceno
Maravilhosa banda, sou muito fรฃ !
elaine Martin
Love Aswad ๐โค๏ธ
Domine Wimbury
Wow! Hadn't heard this since 1989 until now. Forgot how good it is
Poval Kavon
Awesome song....reminds me of high school
Hey_Jude
Just like Maxi Priest with Wild World, these guys have produced the finest version of this song. Top, top, top.
Prof Ras
Great songs always King AswadVEVO. More Bless...๐ค๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐
clive eardley
Love this song
bonexboney
Who is still here loving them jamz